Legislature(2007 - 2008)
03/04/2008 02:06 PM House TRA
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| Overview: Alaska Marine Highway System | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
HOUSE TRANSPORTATION STANDING COMMITTEE
March 4, 2008
2:06 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Kyle Johansen, Chair
Representative Mark Neuman, Vice Chair
Representative Anna Fairclough
Representative Wes Keller
Representative Mike Doogan
Representative Woodie Salmon
MEMBERS ABSENT
Representative Craig Johnson
OTHER LEGISLATORS PRESENT
Representative Peggy Wilson
Representative Andrea Doll
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
OVERVIEW: ALASKA MARINE HIGHWAY SYSTEM
- HEARD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
No previous action to report
WITNESS REGISTER
DENNIS HARDY, Deputy Commissioner of Marine Operations
Marine Highway System
Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF)
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented an overview of the Alaska Marine
Highway System, and responded to questions.
CAPTAIN JOHN FALVEY, General Manager
Ketchikan Office
Marine Highway System
Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF)
Ketchikan, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Responded to questions and offered comments
during an overview of the Alaska Marine Highway System.
MALCOLM MENZIES, Regional Director
Southeast Region
Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF)
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Responded to questions during the
presentation on the Alaska Marine Highway System.
ANDY HUGHES, Planning Chief
Southeast Region
Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF)
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Responded to questions during overview
presentation of Alaska Marine Highway System.
ACTION NARRATIVE
CHAIR KYLE JOHANSEN called the House Transportation Standing
Committee meeting to order at 2:06:36 PM. Representatives
Johansen, Fairclough, Neuman, Doogan, Salmon, and Keller were
present at the call to order. Also in attendance were
Representatives Wilson and Doll.
^OVERVIEW: ALASKA MARINE HIGHWAY SYSTEM
2:08:09 PM
CHAIR JOHANSEN announced that the only order of business would
be the overview on the Alaska Marine Highway System.
2:08:51 PM
DENNIS HARDY, Deputy Commissioner of Marine Operations, Marine
Highway System, Department of Transportation & Public Facilities
(DOT&PF), recognized that an aging fleet makes vessel
replacement a critical issue for the marine highway system. He
reported that of the eleven AMHS vessels, four vessels are about
45 years old, and three vessels are about 35 years old. He
allowed that the useful life of the vessels is about 60 years,
except for the fast ferries, which have a useful life of about
25 years. He explained that it can take up to six years from
its design for a vessel to be put in service. He relayed that a
shuttle vessel will cost $85 million, and a main line vessel
will cost $250 million.
CHAIR JOHANSEN asked if there are any vessels currently in the
planning process.
MR. HARDY noted that the Malaspina is due to reach the end of
its useful life in 2016. Currently, the concept study for
replacement boats is on hold pending a peer review of the
Southern Gateway shuttle and the Southeast Alaska shuttle.
CAPTAIN JOHN FALVEY, General Manager, Ketchikan Office, Marine
Highway System, Department of Transportation & Public Facilities
(DOT&PF), explained that there are concept designs for the
southeast shuttle and southern gateway shuttle.
2:12:16 PM
CHAIR JOHANSEN clarified that the southern gateway is Ketchikan,
and the southeast is Lynn Canal and Juneau.
CAPTAIN FALVEY agreed and explained that the concept design for
the southern gateway shuttle is a long, slender, steel, day
shuttle vessel with a reduced crew who will go home every night.
The vessel will be very fast, 23-24 knots, and will consume a
lot of fuel. He allowed that there is a similar concept for the
southeast shuttle, though this vessel will not be as fast,
because there are shorter distances. The department hired an
engineering firm to do a peer review for an outside look at both
shuttle concepts. The peer review weighed escalating fuel costs
against labor costs and recommended a review of the 12 hour day
boat concept. The new idea presented is to slow the boats down
to burn less fuel, to have a more automated vessel with a
reduced crew, and to not have passenger cabins. The department
is currently examining this alternative.
2:14:24 PM
REPRESENTATIVE FAIRCLOUGH asked if the cost analysis takes into
consideration for the initial capital investment cost of a fast
ferry versus a larger ferry.
CAPTAIN FALVEY asked for clarification.
REPRESENTATIVE FAIRCLOUGH requested a comparative initial cost
and operational cost analysis for a vessel that lasts 20-25
years versus a vessel that lasts 60 years.
CAPTAIN FALVEY noted that an aluminum vessel will not last as
long as a steel vessel.
2:15:45 PM
REPRESENTATIVE FAIRCLOUGH allowed that hull material would be
part of the analysis.
CAPTAIN FALVEY asked if Representative Fairclough is referring
to the initial decision to build fast ferries.
REPRESENTATIVE FAIRCLOUGH said that she assumes that the cost
analysis was done before the decision to build fast ferries.
She posed that the discussion is now about a day boat, and she
would like to see a comparative cost analysis for aluminum
versus steel hulled boats.
CAPTAIN FALVEY replied that the current shuttle concept will be
a steel hulled, 300 foot boat, capable of carrying 500
passengers and 65 vehicles.
2:16:57 PM
CHAIR JOHANSEN asked if the cost is compared for the life cycle
of the aluminum fast boat versus the steel slow boat.
CAPTAIN FALVEY clarified that the current discussions are only
for steel boats, not aluminum fast ferries.
CHAIR JOHANSEN asked if the faster, steel day boat has had a
life cycle cost comparison to the suggested slower boat.
CAPTAIN FALVEY reported that more than 50 vessel types were
studied and the review group made this recommendation.
2:19:01 PM
REPRESENTATIVE FAIRCLOUGH asked to see the analysis for
comparison. She asked if a green house analysis of fuel
consumption comparing the new versus the old vessels has been
done.
CAPTAIN FALVEY said that it will be done.
CHAIR JOHANSEN asked if the new vessels will be sister ships.
CAPTAIN FALVEY expressed his belief that this may be the best
direction to proceed. He noted that this will allow that vessel
parts will be interchangeable.
2:20:22 PM
CHAIR JOHANSEN asked if the department has done an analysis of
other ferry routes, in case the road is built in Lynn Canal.
CAPTAIN FALVEY agreed that the boat will be interchangeable with
other locations.
CHAIR JOHANSEN asked what are the advantages and disadvantages
to having sister ships.
CAPTAIN FALVEY pointed out that parts are interchangeable with
sister ships. He expressed the possibility that the two new
steel shuttle boats will replace the Malaspina and the
Matanuska.
2:22:40 PM
REPRESENTATIVE FAIRCLOUGH asked if the fast ferries have had
engine problems.
CAPTAIN FALVEY replied that the fast ferries have had multiple
problems. He noted that the warranty coverage of the vibration
issue has been resolved. He explained the other major problem
to be the recommendation of the engine manufacturer to use the
wrong coolant which tends to corrode the cylinder linings. He
said that the department is working toward a resolution for this
problem.
REPRESENTATIVE FAIRCLOUGH asked what type of engines will be
used in the new design.
CAPTAIN FALVEY responded that the high speed, highly
turbocharged engines used in the current fast ferries are very
complex, so he suggested using more conventional engines in the
slower steel boats.
2:25:25 PM
REPRESENTATIVE NEUMAN asked if there was full reimbursement on
any warranty work that was proven to be a manufacturer problem.
He also asked if there is an extended maintenance schedule.
CAPTAIN FALVEY said that the fast ferries are no longer in the
warranty period, but a resolution has been worked out with the
manufacturer.
REPRESENTATIVE NEUMAN asked what the cost to the state is.
CAPTAIN FALVEY responded that there is a small amount that may
not have been reimbursed.
REPRESENTATIVE NEUMAN repeated his question regarding long term
maintenance and repairs and he asked if there are cost estimates
for maintenance of these new boats.
CAPTAIN FALVEY stated that there are cost estimates, and they
tend to be more costly than the conventional ferries.
REPRESENTATIVE NEUMAN asked if these have been tested and proven
in conditions similar to Alaska with severe weather and tides.
CAPTAIN FALVEY said that the high capacity steel shuttle vessels
have a proven hull form. He expressed his comfort with a
conventional steel shuttle vessel.
2:29:05 PM
CHAIR JOHANSEN posed that the recommendation will be for a more
proven dependable engine.
CAPTAIN FALVEY agreed. He explained that with the current
aluminum fast ferries all of the equipment is lightweight for
speed and the equipment is built to be "on the edge of capacity"
in order to achieve high speeds.
CHAIR JOHANSEN asked about the progress of the vessel
replacement study.
MR. HARDY replied that a vessel utilization plan is currently
being tabulated by the Marine Highway System, which will include
an inventory of the boats, the years for replacement, the life
cycle costs, and the capital costs. He added that this plan is
being done in conjunction with the master plan, which is being
written by the Alaska University Transportation Center (AUTC).
This is a two year project.
CHAIR JOHANSEN asked when this plan will be completed.
MR. HARDY reported that the project is in two phases. The first
phase is a background of information to be included in the
decision making, and this will be completed by September, 2008.
The second phase will be completed by September, 2009.
2:32:18 PM
REPRESENTATIVE NEUMAN asked if the plan will study freight
shipment, including refrigeration systems, to increase the ferry
revenues.
CAPTAIN FALVEY agreed that the southern gateway will accommodate
refrigerated freight. He allowed that a conventional shuttle
ferry system will need to "get it right." He stated that the
department is moving forward with this concept in parallel to
the master plan.
MR. HARDY added that every new boat will have the capacity to
carry any highway vehicle, including the large shipping vans.
CHAIR JOHANSEN pointed out that both Captain Falvey and Mr.
[Jim] Beedle have extensive experience working onboard boats,
and they understand the challenges.
CAPTAIN FALVEY related his experience.
CHAIR JOHANSEN noted Mr. Beedle's experience.
2:35:08 PM
CHAIR JOHANSEN asked to discuss the South Berth, the layup
facility, and the south end terminal for Prince Rupert and
Metlakatla. He opined that these last two projects might
alleviate future pressure on the South Berth.
REPRESENTATIVE FAIRCLOUGH asked what parameters and criteria
were given to the AUTC team for the master plan, specifically if
this is a vessel utilization plan or a total master plan for the
ferry system.
MR. HARDY explained that the primary criterion is to look at the
system over the next 30 years, recognizing that there will be a
transition from the existing fleet to the implementation of the
Southeast Alaska Transportation Plan, which will combine roads
and shuttle ferries. He offered to provide the scope of work
given to AUTC.
2:37:05 PM
CHAIR JOHANSEN requested that the committee members receive the
criteria.
CAPTAIN FALVEY stated that he will address South Berth, Alaska
Ship and Drydock (ASD), and the lay up facilities. He noted
that Mr. Menzies is also available.
CHAIR JOHANSEN referred to the aerial photo in the members'
packets, and explained that South Berth is the ferry [dock] in
the middle.
CAPTAIN FALVEY explained that South Berth has the capacity to
handle cars and passengers, allowing it to be used when the
adjacent main AMHS berth is occupied. It has been used as a
layup facility to perform warranty work. Ketchikan is busy and
the South Berth is shared with the Inter-Island Ferry Authority
(IFA) and with the Lituya. The shipyard (ASD) would like to
have possession of the South Berth. He explained that AMHS and
ASD are working on developing a long term plan. They have
agreed to an area for ASD to begin work on a maintenance
facility, a boundary shift of another area, and a hazardous
materials warehouse right of way adjustment. All the parties
are working to find a middle ground. There is still discussion
of the use of South Berth and a lay up facility. He explained
that the engineers have offered several alternatives, including
a layup facility on Gravina Island, directly across from the
shipyard.
2:43:49 PM
CHAIR JOHANSEN opined that this is the narrowest, fastest tide
running portion of the channel.
CAPTAIN FALVEY agreed that this location will not work, as the
wind and the logistics are both difficult. He allowed that
there are numerous spots in Ward Cove which are all
substantially more expensive.
CHAIR JOHANSEN asked how long Department of Transportation &
Public Facilities (DOT&PF) has had the appropriation for the
layup facility.
2:45:24 PM
CAPTAIN FALVEY replied that the appropriation has been available
for more than a year. He offered that it will be difficult for
DOT&PF to replace South Berth, as it is used as a lay up
facility, with the capability for vehicles, passengers, and
ticketing.
CHAIR JOHANSEN asked how often South Berth is used for lay up.
CAPTAIN FALVEY reported that it has been used quite often for
the fast ferries over the past year, but on the average, it is
not used a lot. He explained that the Kennicott is moored at
the downtown dock, and AMHS will not be paying for that moorage
if the layup dock is available.
CHAIR JOHANSEN said that they can talk more about the layup
facility at a later date. He explained to the committee that
the shipyard is owned by the State of Alaska, and is managed by
ASD. He allowed that DOT&PF "is working with the operator of a
state owned asset, figuring out who gets to put their ships
where."
REPRESENTATIVE NEUMAN asked if it is time to remove AMHS from
the DOT&PF, and allow AMHS the opportunity for federal funding.
2:48:34 PM
MR. HARDY noted that an "authority" bill is being prepared to
address these issues. He offered his belief that the biggest
problem is funding. He explained that operating costs are
escalating, the fleet is aging, and that any decision will have
costs.
REPRESENTATIVE NEUMAN pressed that there is competition for
funding with the road projects, and asked for a yes or no
response.
MR. HARDY responded that this is not a yes or no issue. He
allowed that the Commissioner of DOT&PF has to balance all the
transportation needs of the state.
2:50:10 PM
CHAIR JOHANSEN expressed his belief that when the roads in the
state can pay their own costs, then it will be fair to ask the
same from the AMHS.
REPRESENTATIVE DOOGAN summarized that the facilities are all
state owned and the problem at South Berth is competition for
use.
CAPTAIN FALVEY responded that South Berth is a working berth, an
overflow berth, and a lay up facility.
REPRESENTATIVE DOOGAN asked to verify that it will cost $8.5
million for a layup facility to be built elsewhere.
CAPTAIN FALVEY agreed that another comparable facility will be
needed if South Berth is no longer available.
REPRESENTATIVE DOOGAN asked that if the facility is built in
Ward Cove, it will be accessible for passengers and vehicles.
CAPTAIN FALVEY said that this will not be possible everywhere in
Ward Cove, as there are covenants for specific areas.
REPRESENTATIVE DOOGAN asked that if AMHS built a facility in
Ward Cove, what would happen to South Berth.
CAPTAIN FALVEY replied that a multiple use facility could
replace South Berth.
REPRESENTATIVE DOOGAN repeated his question of who would use
South Berth.
CAPTAIN FALVEY replied that ASD will want to use it.
CHAIR JOHANSEN asked if South Berth was an original part of the
shipyard master plan.
CAPTAIN FALVEY asked to clarify.
CHAIR JOHANSEN asked if South Berth was part of the original
vision.
MALCOLM MENZIES, Regional Director, Southeast Region, Department
of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF), replied that
South Berth was part of the plan.
CAPTAIN FALVEY repeated that there has been a very productive
meeting with ASD, and the department will pursue agreements. He
explained that the last issue to resolve will be the need for a
new warehouse and office. He stated that a small clearing
warehouse will be built for equipment which is quickly coming
onto and off the docks, but this will not be large enough to
replace the main warehouse and the office.
2:55:16 PM
CAPTAIN FALVEY said that there is a need of space for the extra
engineers with room for libraries, blueprints, and drafting.
CHAIR JOHANSEN allowed that this will be discussed during the
talk about the AMHS headquarters.
REPRESENTATIVE DOOGAN asked if ASD wants to use all the
facilities.
CAPTAIN FALVEY said yes, they will.
REPRESENTATIVE DOOGAN expressed his belief that it will be
difficult to contain ASD.
REPRESENTATIVE SALMON asked how the future for AMHS appears.
CAPTAIN FALVEY said that the key is South Berth; as it is a
working berth and an overflow berth, schedules need to be co-
coordinated to allow for its use.
REPRESENTATIVE SALMON asked how much will it cost and how long
this will take to build.
CAPTAIN FALVEY replied that ASD is building the structures.
CHAIR JOHANSEN asked how AMHS is addressing a number of issues,
which include: the Saxman vote against the terminal facility
being located in their seaport, the Annette Island road, and the
implications of the Prince Rupert run for the south end
facility.
CAPTAIN FALVEY replied that AMHS is still looking for an
alternative location to Saxman. He said that as the Annette
Island road nears completion, AMHS will start building a dock
and caretaker facility at Annette Bay.
2:58:34 PM
CHAIR JOHANSEN asked for the timeline to build a northern
terminus terminal for the Gateway shuttle.
ANDY HUGHES, Planning Chief, Southeast Region, Department of
Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF), explained that a
reconnaissance effort is underway, and it will take a year to
resolve the site option. Once the preferred location is
determined, it will take a few years to complete the
environmental permits, and another year to construct the
building.
CHAIR JOHANSEN asked when the public response period will be
held.
MR. HUGHES replied that it will be held once there is a list of
recommendations.
2:59:57 PM
CHAIR JOHANSEN asked if AMHS envisions this as the terminus for
both Metlakatla and Prince Rupert.
CAPTAIN FALVEY responded that the concept was discussed, but one
problem was that the new shuttle ferry concept for a long, steel
vessel did not fit into the Saxman space. He allowed that AMHS
will keep the possibility open.
CHAIR JOHANSEN posed that the idea of a terminus for both areas
is again a possibility.
CAPTAIN FALVEY agreed.
3:00:58 PM
CHAIR JOHANSEN asked for an update on the AMHS headquarters
building in Ward Cove.
MR. HARDY explained that when DOT&PF moved to Ketchikan, they
considered purchasing the building in Ward Cove for $1.9 million
with an additional $1.5 million for renovation. He described it
as a 50 year old, 2 story, 26,000 square foot building. He
noted that AMHS currently leases the top floor. During the
appraisal, the AMHS engineers performed a due diligence
inspection, and expressed concern for the general condition of
the facility. This survey was completed in September, 2007, and
identified a lot of deficiencies in the building. Even though
the upstairs has already been renovated by the Ketchikan Gateway
Borough, the downstairs has not, and the cost estimate is $7.1
million for renovation. He said that AMHS sent the condition
survey to the borough and requested their review and comment.
The borough responded on February 20 and DOT&PF is now reviewing
those comments. He allowed that once this is accomplished,
DOT&PF will meet with the borough, and decide what the next
action will be. He noted that DOT&PF is working closely with
the borough, and the department is not making any unilateral
decisions. As the AMHS has a lease, there is no need to rush
forward.
CHAIR JOHANSEN asked what the cost will be to bring the building
up to the standards.
MR. HARDY replied that this will cost about $7.1 million.
CHAIR JOHANSEN asked what class of office space this will be.
MR. HARDY replied that this will be B class, average to good.
CHAIR JOHANSEN asked if the department is currently looking at
other options.
MR. HARDY noted that an option is to purchase a facility. There
were plans to move the engineering staff into the downstairs,
however, the department is going to discuss the status of the
facility before making any more plans.
CHAIR JOHANSEN asked if there are other sites in Ketchikan being
contemplated.
MR. HARDY reported that a lot adjacent to the facility is being
discussed for a new building, but there are not any utilities to
the lot. He noted that there is also real estate in the
terminal area.
3:05:57 PM
CAPTAIN FALVEY said that there have been conversations about
sharing a facility with ASD. He noted that AMHS needs more than
13,000 square feet.
CHAIR JOHANSEN asked what $7 million could purchase.
MR. HARDY said that the cost for new construction in Ketchikan
is $250-$300 square foot, which does not include the land or
utility cost.
CHAIR JOHANSEN explained that his concern with building in the
midst of the shipyard, a finite space, is the realization in 20
years that the space is more valuable for expansion of the
industry. He related the value of the ship building industry to
the Ketchikan Gateway Borough. He said that the borough will be
flexible in their negotiations with AMHS to help protect this
space.
3:12:58 PM
CHAIR JOHANSEN asked what the difference is with a "Class B
office space" and an "essential facility." He understood that
an "essential facility" is built to different standards and will
be more expensive to build.
MR. HARDY said that "essential facility" means that during an
emergency, its service will be critical for health and safety
for the community, and it is designed for quick restoration
should it be damaged.
CHAIR JOHANSEN asked if this has an effect on the bottom line
cost.
MR. HARDY replied that the classification is a consultant
suggestion.
CHAIR JOHANSEN asked if this has been factored into the cost.
REPRESENTATIVE NEUMAN noted that the Matanuska-Susitna area now
has a ferry terminal, and a ferry will be delivered soon.
However, there is not a passenger facility on the Anchorage
side. He asked what the effect will be for a passenger ferry to
dock at a freight terminal.
CAPTAIN FALVEY replied that the first concern should be
security. He expressed his belief that a passenger terminal is
safer when it is located away from a commercial freight
terminal.
REPRESENTATIVE NEUMAN asked if he means for the safety of the
passengers, the people working in the industrial docking
facility, or the safety of the boat.
CAPTAIN FALVEY said that he is not concerned as much for the
safety of the boat however, he has much greater concern for the
passengers moving around in a commercial freight zone. He
agreed with the Anchorage transportation committee that the
passenger ferry terminal should be in a different area than the
freight terminal.
REPRESENTATIVE DOOGAN asked how much square footage will be
renovated for $7.1 million.
MR. HARDY said that it will primarily be for the 13000 square
feet of the first floor.
REPRESENTATIVE DOOGAN posed that if new construction is $300
square foot, why will it cost $7.1 million for renovation.
MR. HARDY stated that there is exterior renovation, and
structural renovation to prepare for a new roof, so the cost
will be almost the same for renovating or building a new
building.
REPRESENTATIVE DOOGAN posed that land acquisition and utilities
will bring additional costs to make renovation and building
costs similar.
MR. HARDY stated that the cost of $300 square foot excludes the
cost of land and utilities for a new building. The renovation
costs are estimated to be $270 square foot.
CHAIR JOHANSEN clarified that the top and bottom floors are
identical. He asked what the borough paid to renovate the
upstairs.
CAPTAIN FALVEY offered his belief that the borough spent about
$1 million to renovate the upstairs.
MR. HARDY said that his recommendation is to not invest $7
million in the current building, but only to repair for any life
safety issues. He allowed that it will be a huge expense to do
work on the downstairs. He said that the building has water and
foundation problems.
CHAIR JOHANSEN posed that AMHS hired a consultant to find out
the cost, yet Mr. Hardy does not agree with the consultant.
MR. HARDY said that he is in agreement with the consultant,
which is to only lease the upstairs. He said the condition
survey was started to evaluate the cost of moving into the
downstairs.
CHAIR JOHANSEN asked to clarify that he does not agree that $7
million should be invested in building.
MR. HARDY said that since the cost of building a new building or
renovating a 50 year old building is similar, and the life cycle
costs of maintenance will be higher for the older building, he
will not recommend the renovation.
CHAIR JOHANSEN asked what a 12,000 square foot new facility will
cost.
CAPTAIN FALVEY said that AMHS will need at least 20,000 square
feet.
CHAIR JOHANSEN posed that the AMHS will need to move sometime,
and he asked the estimate of that cost.
3:25:39 PM
CHAIR JOHANSEN asked about the terms of the lease for the
building.
CAPTAIN FALVEY replied that 16.5 years remain on the lease, with
a 10 year option for renewal.
CHAIR JOHANSEN asked who holds the option of renewal.
CAPTAIN FALVEY offered his belief that AMHS has the option.
CHAIR JOHANSEN asked if there is an out clause for the lease.
MR. HARDY expressed his belief that there is not an escape
clause in the lease. He opined that the best action is to enter
into negotiations with the landlord for the necessary repairs.
CHAIR JOHANSEN asked what the option is.
MR. HARDY said that he doesn't believe AMHS will lease the
downstairs, but if the borough does the renovation, the money
will be paid by AMHS in increased lease costs.
CHAIR JOHANSEN speculated that the appropriated money is going
to be moved around the DOT&PF, and someone will benefit.
REPRESENTATIVE DOOGAN asked what the cost of the lease is.
MR. HARDY replied that it is $12000/month for 16 years.
3:28:37 PM
CHAIR JOHANSEN summarized that AMHS is working with the borough,
but the department does not want to put any money into the
building. The DOT&PF position is that some staff will stay
upstairs, and the engineers will stay in the trailers for the
next 16.5 years. He asked if there will continue to be a search
for another building to house the engineers.
CAPTAIN FALVEY offered that one option will be for the shipyard
to accommodate the engineers, though it is an outside
possibility.
REPRESENTATIVE DOOGAN offered that one option is to buy out the
lease for $1.3 million, and it sounds like this may be the best
option.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, the House
Transportation Standing Committee meeting was adjourned at
3:31:06 PM.
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